HAPPY HEALTH

Part 1 (Part 2)
Bites & Stings - Blood Pressure - Beating the Blues

BITES AND STINGS

Complimentary health remedies and techniques provided here are for informative and educational purposes only, and not intended as a guide to diagnosing or  treating health problems.  We advise that you seek a qualified, appropriate health care professional to treat existing conditions or for advice of health issue prevention. 

"Heal your self - you help heal the family, the family helps to heal the community, the community helps to heal the nation, the nations help to heal the world." - Native American Philosophy = The Wabanaki (People of Light)

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Wasp and hornet stings can be neutralised by immediate application of apple cidar vinegar (“mothers” variety is best) on the affected area. Or wash area with a small amount of onion, or split a leaf of leek and  apply inside surface of leaf to your skin.

White Tail Spider and Rattle Snake bites can have very serious consequences , however in conjunction with treatment by your health care professional, a full course of Papaya Enzymes tablets (taken asap)  can be extremely helpful in neutralising the venom’s effects, reducing inflammation, and muscle and skin reactions.

After  being stung by a bee, if the stinger is still in the skin, it must be removed carefully—trying to pull the stinger out can pump more poison in—best to flick the stinger off. People who are allergic to bee stings need immediate medical treatment in case of an anaphylactic response (a severe allergic reaction which can cause the throat muscles to swell and contract, swelling around the eyes, skin rashes, sneezing,  heart palpitations, muscle contractions, even heart seizures). If not allergic, wash the affected area with soap and water or alcohol or witchhazel. Ice or an ice pack (even a bag of frozen vegetables from the freezer) can be applied to reduce the swelling.

A very effective poultice, used to help withdraw the stinger, is stale bread wetted  with milk. If necessary repeat, adding a new poultice when the first one dries.

Most non-venomous bites, such as ant and mosquito bites can be treated with the application of a number of non-toxic, household products like the ones listed below

• A clay or mud paste—to draw out the venom
• Slice of raw onion
• Slice of raw potato
• Make a paste of either baking soda and apple cider vinegar, or  very cold water and baking soda, and apply to the affected area.
• Apply straight lemon juice.
• Use a wet cool tea bag as a poultice—the tannic acid from the black tea will reduce swelling.
• A slice of cucumber—especially good for ant bites.
• Comfrey ointment.

To help keep insects away, daily supplements of vitamin B1 or brewer’s yeast, zinc or garlic are believed to be useful. Perfumes, hair spray and bright colours are considered to attract insects.

To repel ticks, mosquitoes and black flies, diluted tincture of yarrow flowers directly on all exposed skin is believed to be useful.

A plant which is considered to be one of the best treatments for insect bites is Plantain, also called Ribwort, Pig’s Ear or the Band-aid plant.  To use Plantain make a fresh leaf poultice. Pick a leaf, chew it well and put it on the bite. This will reduce the pain, heat and swelling. You can include dry plantain leaves in your first aid kit and use them the same as you would fresh leaves.

The oldest and simplest poultice for bites and stings is mud. Powdered white clay, should be mixed with a small amount of water or herb tea (such as camomile which is anti-inflammatory) and applied directly to the sting as soon as possible. Cosmetic standard clay can be kept on hand at all times and is less likely to contain fungal spores. Finely ground grains such as rice or oatmeal or bland starchy substances such as grated potato, mallow root or arrowroot powder can also be used as effective  poultices.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

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High blood pressure, also known as “Hypertension” is a serious health problem. (Get advice and treatment from your qualified health care professional for this high blood pressure or for prevention of this condition). The following information is for educational purposes only. This information is not meant to help to diagnose, prevent, or treat noted health conditions.)

• Normal blood pressure is considered to be below 120/80 mmHg
• Pre-hypertension is systolic pressure - between 120 to 139 or diastolic  pressure between 80 and 89
• Stage 1 hypertension is systolic pressure between 140 to 159 or diastolic pressure between 90 and 99
• Stage 2 hypertension is systolic pressure higher than 160 or diastolic pressure of 100 or higher.

High blood pressure symptoms can include dizziness or dizzy spells, headaches or nose bleeds but high blood pressure doesn't usually cause any symptoms in the early stages.

Research has shown a few common factors in the majority of adults who develop high blood pressure

• Overweight and/or unfit. The larger your physical mass, the more pressure is put on your artery walls. With greater body mass, more blood needs to be produced by the body to supply sufficient oxygen and nutrients.
•  Lack of physical activity. Inactivity increases your heart rate, forcing your heart to work harder with each contraction.
• Tobacco use—Chemicals in cigarettes and tobacco are known to damage the artery walls
• High Sodium Intake. Excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid retention as well as high blood pressure.
• Potassium Intake. Low potassium can result in elevated sodium.
• Stress. Stress or stressful attitudes and behaviours can raise blood pressure.
• Alcohol. Excessive drinking can, over a period of time, increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Age. The older you get, the greater the risk of high blood pressure especially if you are overweight, have a poor diet, stressed and inactive.
• Family History. High blood pressure often runs in families, but so do a family group tendencies to overeat, stress out and be inactive. Learned eating and behavioural patterns in family groups can logically lead to the same health problems, although genetic predispositions may play some part.
• High blood pressure can also be caused by kidney disease, thyroid disease, adrenal disease, hormonal disorders, certain prescribed and illicit drugs, oral contraceptives and herbs such as licorice.

If diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is important to work with your health care professional, because this health condition if untreated, can damage your body’s organs and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, brain hemorrhage, vision loss and kidney disease.

There are a number of drugs which are prescribed to treat high blood pressure but most health care professionals agree that changing certain lifestyle patterns are the most important ingredient to lasting reduction in blood pressure. Changes usually recommended include: -

• Give up smoking
• Regular activity (speak to your doctor or health care professional first about the type of exercise and amount of exercise and activity which should be undertaken). Walking is often a preferred activity. Yoga (traditional varieties) and Tai Chi are also often recommended.
• Healthy diet, low in sodium and saturated fats. Plenty of fruit and vegetables and wholegrain fibre.
• Relaxation and learning stress-relieving techniques both - physical and mental exercises. Guided meditation and relaxation CD’s and DVD’s can be ideal. Meditation,  Autogenic Training (people undergo a series of sessions learning how to control breathing, blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature), and Biofeedback  (subjects learn how to gain control over internal body processes that normally occur involuntarily such as heart rate, muscle tension, blood pressure, and skin temperature) are also recommended by various health care professionals.
• Reduce body mass gradually to a healthier weight for your height and build. Get advice from your health care professional regarding your recommended weight.
• Ensuring approximately eight hours sleep each night.
• Avoid straining, worries, tension, anger, and haste, and develop a calm cheerful attitude and a contented frame of mind.

Natural products to avoid when suffering from high blood pressure include Ephedra, Licorice, Ginseng and Essential Rosemary Oil. Some health care professionals also mention that Ginkgo Biloeba should be avoided, while others state it is beneficial? You will either have to make up your own mind on this subject or seek further health care advice.

Natural Remedies and Foods considered beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure include:-

• Garlic
• Indian Gooseberry
• Evening Primrose (4 capsules daily) combined with Potassium (Potassium should be taken with care to avoid problematic, even lethal overdoses.).
• Lemon (due to its high Vitamin P content which prevents capillary fragility)
• Grapefruit, another fruit high in Vitamin P
• Brown Rice
• Bananas (high in potassium)
• Kiwi Fruit (high in potassium)
• Potatoes (not fried), especially good if boiled with no salt added
• Magnesium—especially good for those who are stressed or have stressed dispositions. Best to take with water before going to bed. To ensure the magnesium’s effectiveness, do not eat with chocolate, and do not take with coffee or tea.
• Parsley
• Licorice Tea
• Potassium (mentioned above with Evening Primrose). Note that some prescribed high blood pressure drugs forbid the ingestion of potassium tablets  while using their product. It has been advised that the body can only tolerate the daily recommended intake without the possibility of adverse side effects).
• Hawthorn and Hawthorn Tea
• Rosella—An unusual fruit which can be found in some health food stores made into a punch (frequently it is combined with hawthorn).

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NATURAL WAYS TO HELP BEAT THE BLUES

 
“Unhappiness is being labeled as depression, and so chemical mind-altering substances are offered as a way for us to cope with life’s adversities. How does this teach people to manage the hurts that life presents and that they will inevitably confront? How can a pill help people learn to self-soothe, self-direct, self-regulate and self-manage?”  Excerpt from “Handbook for Happiness—Exploding the Depression Myth” by Lorraine West  RN, RPN, B.A. Social Science (Mental Health), M.A. Couple and Family Therapy, has worked in the field of mental health for over 25 years.

Five Foods for Helping Beat Depression

Foods containing  Omega 3 Oils e.g.  Flaxseed, Walnuts. Chia seeds.

Research has shown that depressed people often lack a fatty acid known as EPA. Participants in a 2002 study featured in the Archives of General Psychiatry took just a gram of omega 3 oil (fish oil) each day and noticed a 50-percent decrease in symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disorders, unexplained feelings of sadness, suicidal thoughts, and decreased sex drive. Omega-3 fatty acids can also lower cholesterol improve cardiovascular health.

Brown Rice: Contains vitamins B1 and B3, and folic acid. Brown rice is also a low-glycemic food, which means it releases glucose into the bloodstream gradually, preventing sugar lows and mood swings. Brown rice also provides many of the trace minerals we need to function properly, as well as being a high-fibre food that can keep the digestive system healthy and lower cholesterol. Instant varieties of rice do not offer these benefits. Any time you see "instant" on a food label, avoid it.

Brewer's Yeast: Contains vitamins B1, B2 and B3. Mix a thimbleful of Brewer’s Yeast into any smoothie for your daily dose. This superfood packs a wide assortment of vitamins and minerals in a small package, including 16 amino acids and 14 minerals. These amino acids are vital for the healthy functioning of the nervous system and brain. Brewer’s yeast also helps the body deal with stress. If you do not tolerate  Brewer’s Yeast well, try a Vitamin B Complex tablet instead.

Whole-grain oats: Contain folic acid, pantothenic acid and vitamins B6 and B1. Oats help lower cholesterol, are soothing to the digestive tract and help avoid the blood sugar crash-and-burn that can lead to crabbiness and mood swings. Other whole grains such as kamut, spelt and quinoa are also excellent choices for delivering brain-boosting nutrients and avoiding the pitfalls of refined grains such as white flour.

Cabbage: Contains vitamin C and folic acid. According to the American Association for Cancer Research cabbage protects against many types of cancers. Cabbage also protects against stress, infection and heart disease. To add cabbage to your diet, why not toss it in a salad instead of lettuce, use cabbage in place of lettuce wraps, stir fry it in your favorite Asian dish, make some classic cabbage soup or juice it. To avoid gas after eating cabbage, add a few fennel, caraway or cumin seeds before cooking. Cabbage is also a good source of blood-sugar-stabilizing fibre, and the raw juice of cabbage is a known cure for stomach ulcers.

Other important foods - raw cocoa, dark molasses and brazil nuts (high in selenium) are also excellent for boosting brain function and eliminating depression. Eat plenty of raw fruit and vegetables and drink at least two litres of purified water daily.

Things to avoid Avoid fast foods which are usually high in sugar, fat and refined carbohydrates. Avoid foods containing trans-fats. This includes most corn and potato chips, snack foods, supermarket biscuits and cakes (transfat content is seldom listed in the contents). Avoid soft drinks (sodas), with or without sugar.

Many commonly prescribed drugs -- such as antibiotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, pain killers, ulcer drugs, anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, anti-Parkinson's drugs, birth control pills, high blood pressure drugs, heart medications and psychotropic drugs -- deplete your body of depression-fighting vitamins and minerals, and therefore can contribute to depression. If you are taking any of these, don't quit them without talking to your doctor; but be aware that they may be contributing to you feeling depressed.

Avoid caffeine, smoking and foods high in fat and sugar. Excessive amounts of sugar can cause symptoms of depression and cause you to gain weight (which can also make you depressed). Keeping your blood sugar stable and getting B vitamins is important for stabilizing your mood. Cocoa can be good for your mood because it releases endorphins in the brain, but milk chocolate and candy varieties are very high in sugar.

Other non-food things to do * Get plenty of sunshine. Natural sunlight has a huge affect on the brain’s chemistry and an individual’s mood. It is a proven cure for feeling down

* Engage in regular exercise at least three times per week. Exercise lifts mood and alters brain chemistry in a positive way. “The national depression initiative, Beyond Blue, says a new awareness campaign promoting the benefits of exercise could make a significant difference for the one-in-five Australians who suffer depression. “ Beyond Blue has joined forces with the Exercise Physiologists Association to help educate both GPs and depression sufferers about the effectiveness of using exercise to manage depression. The Exercise Physiologists Association's New South Wales president, Chris Tzar, says exercise has been proven to be effective in fighting depression. "There are numerous studies that have shown those results," he said. "They range from aerobic-based exercise like walking or jogging to strength training. Exercise can also address anxiety and a range of other chronic conditions, not just depression."

* Have a good laugh and do it regularly. Laughter IS the best medicine.

Complimentary health remedies and techniques provided here are for educational purposes only and not intended as a guide for diagnosing or  treating health problems. Health disorders should be treated by an appropriate health therapist.

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